Control mechanism for a window covering

ABSTRACT

A control mechanism for use in a window covering to control the raising and lowering of one or more control cords to open and close light blocking elements is provided. The control mechanism includes a frame which is mountable within a support structure, such as the headrail, and includes as a first abutment stop and a second abutment stop. The position of the frame of the control mechanism is slidingly adjustable relative to the head rail to accommodate different width window spaces.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/082,385, filed on Mar. 17, 2005.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved control mechanism for a window covering. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved control mechanism for controlling the position of control cords in a window covering, and which is extendable to accommodate a variety of widths of window spaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional window coverings come in a variety of styles including Roman shades, Venetian blinds, and cellular shades. Typically, the light blocking elements of these window coverings are suspended from a headrail by one or more control cords. These control cords, when retracted or extended, raise or lower the portions of the window covering to which they are connected. For example, with a Roman shade, a control cord is typically secured to a lower portion of a continuous panel that covers the window space. By pulling on the cord, the lower portion of the panel is raised to open the window covering. A control mechanism is typically included with the headrail that enables the user to controllably adjust the opening and closing of the window covering. Examples of such control mechanisms include cord locks, rotatable drums, and the like.

The present invention is directed to a novel control mechanism for a window covering for controlling the opening and closing of the window covering. The present invention is particularly suited to be adjustable to accommodate window spaces of differing widths.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a control mechanism for a window covering. The window covering can take many forms, but will generally include a headrail, and a light blocking element comprising a plurality of openable rows suspended from the headrail by one or more control cords. Examples of such window coverings include a Roman style shade such as disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/427,829, and a Venetian blind such as disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 10/413,200, which was issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,996. The disclosures of each of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/427,829, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,996 are hereby incorporated by reference.

The control mechanism of the present invention includes a frame which is mountable within a support structure, such as the headrail. The frame includes a first end and a second end, as well as a first abutment stop and a second abutment stop. The first abutment stop is located closer to the first end of the frame than the second abutment stop and the second abutment stop is closer to the second end of the frame than the first abutment stop.

A sliding module is also included in the control mechanism. The sliding module is secured with a control cord of the window covering such that the movement of the control cord is synchronous with the movement of the sliding module. In other words, the sliding module and the control cord move together as a unit. The sliding module is in moveable engagement with the first surface of the frame and is moveable between a first position and a second position. The movement of the sliding module is also biased toward the first end of the frame. For example, the portion of the control cord exiting the control mechanism at the first end of the frame may be connected to the suspended light blocking elements such that the weight of the light blocking elements pull on the cord, thus biasing the cord and sliding module towards the first end. The first abutment stop limits or arrests the movement of the sliding module towards the first end of the frame. In particular, the first abutment stop limits or arrests the movement of the sliding movement towards the first end of the frame when the sliding module reaches the first position. The second abutment stop also limits or arrests the movement of the sliding module toward the first end. However, the limiting or arresting of the movement towards the first end by the second abutment stop is effected when the sliding module is in the second position.

As discussed, the particular window covering with which the control mechanism may be used can include several different forms. For example, in the Roman style shade of co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/427,829, the light blocking element is comprised of a plurality of rows of panels. The panels are narrowed by raising the control cords secured to the lower longitudinal portion of each panel such that the lower longitudinal portion is raised relative to the upper longitudinal portion, and thereby narrowing the rows to create gaps therebetween. In the Venetian type blind of U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,996, the window covering includes a plurality of rows formed of slats. A control cord is secured to a longitudinal portion of each slat at a position distal of the proximal edge of the slat. By raising the control cord, the slats are pivoted to open.

The control mechanism may also include a further feature. The frame in which the sliding module is mounted may also be designed to be extendable. For example, the lateral end at one side of the head rail where the control cord exits can be extended by the user to fit within the available space of the window frame. An additional length of the control cord may be included so as to allow the adjustment of the frame length without affecting the portion of the control cord mounted with the shade rows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a window covering with which the control mechanism of the present invention is utilized;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective rear view of the window covering of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevated cross sectional view of an embodiment of the control mechanism according to the present invention, where the control mechanism is shown in a first position;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the sliding module of FIG. 3 without the pinch roller;

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the sliding module of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a side elevated cross sectional view of the headrail of the window covering of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the control mechanism according to the present invention, where the control mechanism is shown in a second position;

FIG. 5 is a partial bottom view of the control mechanism showing the track of the sliding module when the control mechanism is in the first position;

FIG. 6 is a partial bottom view of the control mechanism of FIG. 5 as it is moved from the first position to the second position;

FIG. 7 is a partial bottom view of the control mechanism of FIG. 5 with the sliding module in the second position;

FIG. 8 is a partial bottom view of the control mechanism of FIG. 5 with the sliding module as it is moved from the second position to the first position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective partial rear view of an embodiment of a window covering with an alternate embodiment of the control mechanism of the present invention with the headrail partially cut away;

FIG. 10 is a top down view of the control mechanism of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a row of a window covering comprising a slat suitable for use with the control mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention including an extendable frame in an unextended position;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 in an extended position;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional top view of a preferred embodiment of a control mechanism with an extendable frame;

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional side view of the control mechanism of FIG. 14;

FIG. 15A is a enlar partial ged view of a portion of FIG. 15;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the latch member of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional side view of the control mechanism of FIG. 14 in an extended position;

FIG. 18 is a top view of a head rail of an alternate embodiment of a control mechanism according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional top view of a preferred embodiment of a control mechanism with an extendable frame adapted for mounting with the head rail of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional side view of the control mechanism of FIG. 19 in an unextended position;

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional side view of the control mechanism of FIG. 19 in an extended position;

FIG. 22 is a top view of a head rail of another alternate embodiment of a control mechanism according to the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional top view of a preferred embodiment of a control mechanism with an extendable frame adapted for mounting with the head rail of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a cross sectional side view of the control mechanism of FIG. 23 in an unextended position; and

FIG. 25 is a cross sectional side view of the control mechanism of FIG. 23 in an extended position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms. Shown in the drawings and described hereinbelow in detail are preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and does not limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.

An example of a window covering with which the control mechanism of the present invention is suitable is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, window covering 100 includes a headrail 102, a plurality of rows 104, and a control cord 106 that is secured to lower longitudinal portions 108 of the rows 104. The control cord 106 extends through an opening 110 in the headrail 102, and through a control mechanism, which is discussed in greater detail below. The plurality of rows 104 are suspended from the headrail 102 by the control cord 106 which is suspended from the headrail 102 through hole 105. The plurality of rows 104 are further suspended from the headrail 102 by a securement cord 112.

The particular example of an embodiment of a window covering with which the control mechanism of the present invention is suitable for use shown here is disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/427,829, which as discussed above is incorporated by reference. The control cord 106 is an opening member, which is secured to the lower longitudinal portions 108 of the rows. The control cord 106 may be secured to the lower longitudinal portion 108 through any means known in the art, but it is preferred that the lower longitudinal portion 108 include an anchor member 109 secured therewith. The control cord 106 includes a plurality of loops 111 through which the anchor member 109 is guided. The narrowing of the rows of the window covering is accomplished by decreasing the distance between the upper and lower longitudinal portions of the rows by raising the opening member control cord 106.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 3A and 4, an embodiment of the control mechanism is shown. The control mechanism 200 is shown in a first position. The control mechanism 200 includes a frame 202 which is mounted in the headrail (not shown). The control mechanism 200 may be permanently mounted or replaceably mounted in the headrail. Replaceable control mechanisms enable a person to replace broken or otherwise defective control mechanisms, or to exchange a control mechanism for a particular type of window covering with a different control mechanism. The frame 202 includes a first end 206 and a second end 208, as well as a first abutment stop, such as pinch roller 210 and a second abutment stop, such as arm member 212. Also included near the first end 206 is a second pinch roller 214.

A sliding module 216 is secured with a control cord 218 of the window covering. In this embodiment, a resilient latch member 220 is utilized to secure the cord 218 with the sliding module 216, however, any method of securing the cord 218 with the sliding module 216 can be used. In any case, the movement of the control cord 218 is intended to be synchronous with the movement of the sliding module 216. In other words, the sliding module 216 and the control cord 218 preferably move together as a unit.

Some of the details of the sliding module are explained with reference to FIG. 3A and 3B. The sliding module 216 includes rail members 217, a pair of catches 219, and a track 224. The pair of catches 219 are engaged with the latch member 220 (FIG. 3) and secure the latch member 220 to the sliding module 216. The pair of rail members 217, when the sliding module 216 is engaged with the frame 202 axially guide the sliding module along the frame 202. The track 224 is suitable for guiding the movement of the arm member 212, which is pivotally secured at a fixed end 223, and includes a rounded distal end 226. In this embodiment, the track 224 is formed integrally with the sliding module 216. However, it is possible that the track could be formed on the frame 202 itself.

The sliding module 216 is in sliding engagement with the first surface 222 of the frame 202 and is moveable between the first position shown in FIG. 3 and the second position shown in FIG. 4. The sliding module 216, if not otherwise engaged, is biased to move towards the first end 206 of the frame 202. In this example, the control cord 218 is connected to the various rows of a window covering as described above such that the weight of the rows pulls on the cord 218 and urges the cord 218 and sliding module 216 towards the first end 206 until it reaches the first position, such as shown in FIG. 3. In this first position, the movement of the sliding module 216 towards the first end 206 is limited or arrested by the interaction of pinch roller 210 and pinch roller 214. Cord 218 is further secured between pinch rollers 210 and 214 to provide additional support for the control cord. When the sliding module 216 is in this first position, the control cord 218 is extended such that the various light blocking elements, such as the plurality of rows 104 in FIGS. 1 and 2, are closed.

By exerting a pulling force as indicated by force arrow F₁ on the control cord 218, the sliding module is urged away from the first end 206 of the frame 202 and towards the second end 208 such as shown in FIG. 4. By moving the sliding module 216 towards the second end 208, the control cord raises the various light blocking elements such that they open to permit light to pass through the window covering. As the pulling force indicated by force arrow F₁ is released, the sliding module 216 again moves toward the first end 206. However, rather than moving back to the first end 206, the movement of the sliding module is arrested by a second abutment stop, such as arm member 212. In particular, the rounded distal end 226 engages a hub 228. Thus, the control module 200 is held in the second position such that the various light blocking elements of the window covering are maintained in an open position.

A more detailed explanation of the interaction between the sliding module 216 and the arm member 212 as the sliding module 216 moves from the first position to the second position and back to the first position is explained with reference to FIGS. 5 through 8.

Shown in FIG. 5 is a bottom partial view of the sliding module 216 and the pivotal arm member 212 of the frame having a rounded distal end 226 and a fixed end 223 when the sliding module 216 is in the first position. Referring to FIG. 6, when a force such as pulling force indicated by force arrow F₁ is exerted on cord 218 (FIG. 4) the sliding module moves towards the second end, such as indicated by direction arrow A. The rounded distal end 226 of arm member 212 is guided along the track 224 until it reaches a first concave portion 230 of track 224. The arm member 212 pivots slightly as the distal end 226 is guided along the first concave portion 230 such that distal end 226 is at least partially aligned with hub 228.

Referring to FIG. 7, as the pulling force is released, the sliding module 216, which as discussed is biased to move towards the first end of the frame, moves as indicated by direction arrow B. Rounded distal end 226 is then preferably with the concave portion 232 of hub 228, and thereby limits or arrests the movement of the sliding module 216 towards the first end. As discussed, as the arm member 212 is guided along the first concave portion 230 of track 224, it pivots such than when the pulling force is released, the rounded distal end 226 is at least partially aligned with the concave portion 232 of hub 228. Thus, when as the sliding module 216 moves towards the first end, the rounded distal end 226 is captured within the concave portion 232 of hub 228. As discussed above, when the sliding module is in this second position, the light blocking elements of the window covering connected to the control cord are maintained in an open position.

To release the sliding module 216 from the arm member 212 so the sliding module can be moved from the second position to the first position, and more particularly in this embodiment, to disengage rounded distal end 226 from hub 228, a user again exerts a pulling force on cord 218. Accordingly, the sliding module again moves as indicated by direction arrow A towards the second end of the frame. Referring to FIG. 8, a cusp portion 234 of the track 224 is positioned relative to the concave portion 232 of hub 228 such that the rounded distal end 226 of the arm member 212 is guided into a second concave portion 236 of the track 224 and so the rounded distal end 226 clears hub 228. As the sliding module 216 is again moved towards the first position, the rounded distal end 226 of arm member 212 is guided along track 224 and returns to the first position as shown in FIG. 5.

Thus far the control mechanism has been described as designed for controlling the raising and lowering of a single control cord. In some situations, the control mechanism may be provided in a headrail as a unit including a pair of sliding modules, such as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. A control mechanism 300 is mounted within headrail 301 and comprises a single frame 302 that includes a pair of sliding modules 316 and 317. Of the sliding modules 316 and 317 are independently operable to control the raising or lowering of the cord secured thereto. This cord can be any positioning cord in a window covering. For example, reference is made to the window covering disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/914,579 filed on Aug. 9, 2004, and which is hereby incorporated by reference. In this embodiment a control cord, such as opening member 318, is secured with the plurality of rows 304 at lower longitudinal regions 320. Opening member 318 is also secured with sliding module 316. A securement member 319 is secured with the plurality of rows 304 at upper longitudinal regions 322, and is also secured with sliding module 317. The plurality of rows 304 may therefore be narrowed by either lowering securement member 319, by raising opening member 318, or some combination of the two that results in the narrowing of the rows.

Another embodiment of a window covering with which the control mechanism of the present invention may be used is shown in FIG. 11, which depicts a row of a Venetian blind type window covering. This Venetian blind type window covering is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,996, which is incorporated herein by reference. The light blocking elements of the Venetian blind type window covering comprises a plurality of rows of slats, such as slat 400. The slat comprises a first longitudinal portion 412 at a edge portion of the row 400, and a second longitudinal portion 426 formed within the main portion of the panel 410. Each of the longitudinal portions 412 and 426 are operatively connected to control cords 402 and 404, respectively. In this embodiment, control cord 402 is restrainedly positioned with the longitudinal portion 412 by engaging anchor member 406 with control cord 402 by passing the anchor member 406 through a loop 408 formed therein. Control cord 404 is operatively connected with the second longitudinal portion 426 by engaging a fastener module 430 therewith, and engaging the fastener module 430 with an anchor member 416 through opening 414. Control cord 404 is secured with a control module (not shown) such as discussed above.

An additional feature of the present invention is discussed below. Since many window spaces come in nonstandard widths, it is desired to provide the ability to prepare stock widths of head rails that may be adjusted to fit a window space. The present invention provides for a frame that is extendable. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the lateral end 500 of the frame 502 at one side of the head rail 504, such as where the control cord (not shown) exits, can be extended relative to the head rail 504 by the user to fit within the available space of the window frame. An additional length of the control cord may be included so as to allow the adjustment of the frame length without affecting the portion of the control cord mounted with the shade rows.

One embodiment of this feature of the present invention is discussed with reference to FIGS. 14-17. A control mechanism 600 includes a frame 602 which is mounted in the head rail 604. The frame 602 defines a track including a central portion 608 and marginal portions 610 paralleling the central portion 608. In this example, a single sliding module 612 is included. Preferably formed along the marginal portions 610 are matched series of detent members, such as slots 614, 616, and 618, which are engageable with a resilient latch member 620. Referring to FIG. 16, latch member 620 includes a push member 622, a pair of engaging fingers 624 and 626, and a tab 628. Referring to FIG. 15, and more particularly to FIG. 15A, the tab 628 is secured with head rail 604 within slot 630 formed therein. The distance between the two engaging fingers 624 and 626 covers the width of the central portion 608 between the marginal portions 610. The engaging fingers 624 and 626 engage a matched pair of detents, such as detents 618 to lock the position of the control mechanism 600 relative to the head rail 604. The latch member 620 extends upwardly through central portion 608.

To change the position of the control mechanism 600 and extend the overall width of the head rail 604 and the frame 602 of control mechanism 600, the user pushes downward on the push member 622, which causes the latch member 620 to deflect and consequently disengage the engaging fingers 624 and 626 from detents 618. The user then can slide the control mechanism 600 to retract or extend the frame 602 from the head rail 604, such as shown in FIG. 17 by arrow 632. Once the desired position of the control mechanism 600 is reached, the user releases the latch member 620. The latch member 620 resiliently recovers its initial position, and the engaging fingers 624 and 626 engage the desired detents to secure the new position of the control mechanism 600.

Another embodiment of the present invention is discussed with respect to FIGS. 18-21. Control mechanism 700 again includes a frame 702 which is mounted in a head rail 704. Head rail 704 defines a hole 706. The bottom surface of the frame includes a series of regular transversal indentations 710. A central portion 712 bisects the series of indentation and forms a gap. When the frame 702 is mounted within the head rail 704, the hole 706 through the bottom surface of the head rail 704 is aligned with the central portion 712. A latch member, such as screw-bolt fastener 714 passes through central portion 712 and is adapted to engage hole 706. A toothed washer 715 which is adapted to be seated within indentations 710 is also provided as part of the latch member. Toothed washer 715 is pressed against the indentation 710 when screw-bolt fastener 714 engages hole 706, thereby fixedly securing the relative positions of the frame 702 and the head rail 704. Releasing the screw-bolt fastener 714 disengages the toothed washer 715 from the indentation 710 such that the relative position of the frame 702 and the head rail 704 can be adjusted as indicated by arrow 720.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is described with respect to FIGS. 22-25. Control mechanism 800 includes a frame 802 which is mounted in a head rail 804. Head rail 804 defines a plurality of holes or slots 806. As an alternative to holes or slots as detents, indentations may be used. A latch member, such as a stop rod 808, which includes a compressive spring 810, is positioned within recess 812 in frame 802. The distal end 814 of stop rod 808 is adapted to engage holes or slots 806. Spring 810, which abuts flange 815 of recess 812, is biased to urge stop rod 808 downward to engage a hole or slot 806. To adjust the position of the frame 802 of control mechanism 800 relative to the head rail 804, the user pulls up the stop rod 808 as indicated by arrow 816, and disengages distal end 814 from hole or slot 806. The relative position of the head rail 804 and the frame 802 can then be adjusted as indicated by arrow 818. Once the desired position of the control mechanism 800 is reached, the user releases the stop rod 808 such that spring 810 urges the stop rod 808 to engage another of the holes or slot 806.

As an alternative, a plurality of latch members and a single detent member can be utilized. For example, a series of stop rods may be provided that engage a single hole or slot. As another alternative, a combination of a plurality of latch member and a plurality of detent members may be used.

With any of the embodiments, in order to install a window covering, the width of the window space is measured. In any of the manners discussed above, the overall width of the head rail and the portion of the frame extending from the side edge of the head rail is made to fit within the width of the particular window space. The fit need not be exact, but can be approximated by the spacing of the latch members, detent members, or both. The head rail is then mounted within the window space.

The foregoing descriptions are to be taken as illustrative, but not limiting. Still other variants within the spirit and scope of the present invention will readily present themselves to those skilled in the art. 

1. A control mechanism for a window covering, the window covering including at least one control cord operatively connected to at least one light blocking element, the control mechanism adapted to adjust positioning of the control cord and comprising: a frame adapted for mounting in a head rail, the frame being adjustably slidable relative to the head rail between an extended position and an unextended position such that, in the extended position, a first end of the frame extends beyond an edge of the head rail; and the head rail and frame are selectably securable with one another with a latch member.
 2. The control mechanism of claim 1, wherein the detent member is integral with the head rail.
 3. The control mechanism of claim 1, wherein the detent member is integral with the frame.
 4. The control mechanism of claim 1, wherein the latch member securely engages the head rail.
 5. The control mechanism of claim 1, wherein the latch member is secured with the frame.
 6. The control mechanism of claim 2, wherein the frame further includes a track and a plurality of detent members are disposed along the track.
 7. The control mechanism of claim 6, wherein the track defines a central portion and marginal portions, wherein the detent members are disposed along the marginal portions, and the latch member extends through the central portion.
 8. A control mechanism for a window covering, the control mechanism comprising: a frame having a first end and a second end, the frame adapted for mounting in a head rail, the frame further including a first abutment stop, and a second abutment stop, the frame being adjustable relative to the head rail between an extended position and an unextended position such that, in the extended position, a first end of the frame extends beyond an edge of the head rail; a sliding module secured with a control cord of the window covering, the sliding module being engaged with a first surface of the frame and moveable between a first position and a second position; the first abutment stop arresting movement of the sliding module toward the first end of the frame when the sliding module is at the first position; the second abutment stop arresting the movement of the sliding module toward the first end of the frame when the sliding module is in the second position; and the head rail and frame are selectably securable with one another in the extended position with a latch member.
 9. The control mechanism of claim 8, wherein the detent member is integral with the head rail.
 10. The control mechanism of claim 8, wherein the detent member is integral with the frame.
 11. The control mechanism of claim 8, wherein the latch member is secured with the head rail.
 12. The control mechanism of claim 8, wherein the latch member is secured with the frame.
 13. The control mechanism of claim 9, wherein the frame further includes a track and a plurality of detent members are disposed along the track.
 14. The control mechanism of claim 13, wherein the track defines a central portion and marginal portions, wherein the detent members are disposed along the marginal portions, and the latch member extends through the central portion.
 15. A method for installing a window covering in a window space, the window covering comprising a head rail and a control mechanism having a frame and mounted in the head rail, the method comprising: measuring a width of the window space; laterally adjusting an overall width of the frame and the head rail to approximate the width of the window space by moving the frame relative to the head rail so as to adjust a length of the frame extending past a side edge of the head rail; and mounting the head rail in the window space.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein laterally adjusting the position of the frame relative to the head rail includes disengaging a latch member from a detent member, slidingly adjusting the position of the frame relative to the head rail, and releasing the latch member to engage a second detent member.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein laterally adjusting the position of the frame relative to the head rail includes disengaging a first latch member from a detent member, slidingly adjusting the position of the frame relative to the head rail, and engaging a second latch member with the detent member. 